New Kitten Checklist For First Time Cat Owners

New Kitten Checklist For First Time Cat Owners

Bringing home a new kitten is one of the sweetest experiences in life. Tiny paws, big eyes and an endless sense of curiosity turn your home into a little adventure playground. To keep that adventure safe and calm, it helps to prepare with a clear new kitten checklist. This guide covers everything you need for a new kitten including food, litter, safe spaces, toys, scratching posts, grooming, microchips and vet visits so you and your kitten can settle in with confidence.

Before Your Kitten Comes Home

A little planning before your new kitten arrives makes the first days much easier. Try to set up one quiet room as a base camp with all the essentials in place.

A Safe And Cosy Space

Kittens feel safest when they have a smaller area they can claim as their own. A spare bedroom or a quiet corner of your living room can work well.

• A comfortable cat bed or soft blanket such as those from Kurgo
• A sturdy cat carrier so your kitten can travel to and from the vet, for example a hard shell carrier from Ferplast
• A hiding spot such as a covered bed or a simple cardboard box where your kitten can retreat if they feel unsure

Place the bed away from the litter tray and food bowls so your kitten has clear zones for sleep, eating and toileting.

Kitten Food And Bowls

Kittens need food that is specially formulated for growth with the right balance of protein, fat and nutrients. Look for complete kitten recipes rather than generic adult cat food.

• Wet and dry kitten food from brands like Royal Canin, Purina One or Orijen
• Shallow food and water bowls from Catit so your kitten whiskers do not rub uncomfortably on the sides
• An optional water fountain such as the Catit Flower Fountain to encourage drinking

If your kitten comes from a breeder or rescue, start with the same food they were eating there then change gradually over several days if you want to switch brands.

Litter Tray And Litter

A good litter setup makes toilet training much easier and keeps your home fresh. Kittens usually learn very quickly once they know where the tray is.

• A litter tray that is low enough for a small kitten to step into easily, for example a simple tray from Savic
• Clumping or non clumping litter that is safe for kittens and low in dust such as the litters from Worlds Best Cat Litter
• A scoop and a small bin or bag system near the tray for quick daily cleaning

Place the tray in a quiet corner away from food and water. Some owners like to start with more than one tray if the home has more than one level so the kitten is never too far from a toilet spot.

Scratching And Climbing

Scratching is natural for cats. It keeps their claws healthy and helps them stretch and mark their territory. Giving your kitten the right places to scratch from day one can save your furniture.

• A vertical scratching post tall enough for a full body stretch such as the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
• A horizontal scratcher for variety, for example a cardboard lounge style scratcher from PetFusion
• A simple cat tree or climbing tower for safe climbing and perching like those from Trixie

Place scratchers near places where your kitten will naturally want to scratch such as by the sofa or near their sleeping area.

Daily Kitten Essentials

Toys and Playtime

Play is how kittens practice hunting skills, release energy and build confidence. A variety of toys keeps life fun and prevents boredom related mischief.

• Wand toys and teasers such as feather wands from PetSafe
• Soft toys and mice from brands like KONG and Yeowww
• Crinkle balls, tunnels and rolling toys that your kitten can chase and pounce on
• Simple puzzle feeders or treat balls for gentle mental challenge

Keep play sessions short and frequent. Let your kitten catch the toy regularly so they feel successful and finish with calm petting or a small snack.

Grooming And Basic Care

Even short haired kittens benefit from gentle grooming. It removes loose fur, reduces hairballs and helps your kitten become comfortable with handling.

• A soft brush or grooming glove suitable for kittens from brands like Tangle Teezer Pet
• A gentle cat shampoo for the rare times your kitten needs a bath, such as those from Earthbath
• Nail clippers sized for cats from Millers Forge

Many cats also benefit from regular tooth brushing. You can ask your vet about using a cat safe toothpaste and finger brush so your kitten becomes used to mouth handling while still young.

Vet Visits And Health

Book a first vet visit soon after your kitten comes home. Your vet will check overall health, advise on vaccinations and parasite control and answer any questions about behaviour or diet.

• Use a secure carrier from Ferplast or similar to transport your kitten
• Ask about recommended vaccine schedules and times for booster injections
• Discuss flea, tick and worm prevention suitable for kittens

Many owners also choose a pet insurance plan from providers such as Petplan or Trupanion for extra peace of mind with unexpected vet costs.

Identification And Safety For Kittens

Even if you plan to keep your cat indoors, accidents can happen. A door can be left open or a window may tempt a curious kitten. Good identification gives you the best chance of a happy reunion.

Microchip

A microchip is a tiny device placed under the skin by your vet. It carries a unique number that links to your contact details on a secure database. If your cat is ever found and taken to a vet or rescue centre, they can scan the chip and call you. Make sure you update your details if you move or change phone number.

Collar And ID Tag

If your kitten will go outdoors once they are old enough and fully vaccinated, consider a breakaway collar and a simple ID tag. The collar should release safely if it catches on something. The tag can list your cat name, your surname and a phone number so a neighbour or passer by can call you quickly.

Always choose a collar that is specifically designed for cats and adjust it so you can fit two fingers between the collar and your kitten neck.

Litter Box Routine And Cleanliness

A clean litter tray encourages good habits and keeps your home smelling fresh. Kittens usually prefer a tray that is scooped daily and washed regularly.

• Scoop solid waste at least once a day
• Top up litter as needed so there is enough depth for digging and covering
• Wash the tray with mild soap and water when you change the litter completely

If your kitten starts to avoid the tray, check that it is clean, easy to reach and placed in a quiet spot. Sudden changes in toilet habits can also be a sign of health issues so contact your vet if you are concerned.

Simple Routine For A Happy Kitten

Kittens thrive on gentle structure. A simple daily routine helps them feel safe and makes life easier for you as well.

• Regular meal times with measured portions of kitten food
• Play sessions spread through the day to burn energy
• Quiet time and naps in their safe space
• Short daily grooming and gentle handling practice

Over time your kitten will learn what to expect and you will learn their natural rhythm of sleep, play and cuddle time.

New Kitten FAQ

What do I need for a new kitten?

You will need kitten food, bowls, a litter tray and litter, a cosy bed, a scratching post, toys, a carrier, grooming supplies and an appointment with a vet. You should also plan for a microchip and an identification tag if your kitten will spend time outdoors.

Should I keep my new kitten in one room at first?

Yes, starting in one safe room helps your kitten feel secure and makes it easier for them to find their food, water and litter tray. Once they are confident you can slowly introduce more areas of your home.

Does an indoor kitten need a microchip?

Even indoor cats can sometimes slip out, so a microchip is very important. It is a permanent form of identification and greatly increases the chance of being reunited if your cat is found.

How many litter trays should I provide?

A common rule is one tray for each cat plus one extra. For a single kitten you can start with at least one tray, but many owners find that two trays in different locations work well and give the cat a choice.

What toys are best for a new kitten?

Lightweight toys that are easy to chase and bat are ideal such as feather wands, soft mice, crinkle balls and tunnels. Puzzle toys and treat balls are also great for mental stimulation as your kitten grows.

Final Thoughts

A new kitten checklist takes the guesswork out of preparing for your tiny new companion. With the right food, litter, safe spaces, toys, scratching posts, grooming supplies and vet care you give your kitten the best possible start.

Most of all, enjoy this special time. Kittens grow into adults more quickly than you expect. Every sleepy curl, every little purr and every playful pounce is part of the story you will share together for years to come.